Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Choerospondias axillaris

lapsi

A fast-growing, deciduous tree to 20m tall in its native habitat but likely to be smaller in cultivation. The greyish-brown bark exudes a sticky resin and splits to reveal a pink inner layer. Divided leaves up to 40cm long are made up of 4-15 pairs of pointed, papery leaflets, each up to 12.5cm long. Leaves emerge tinged red in the spring, maturing to green before turning red again in the autumn. Small, yellowish or red flowers borne in late spring are followed by fruits to 2.5cm across that ripen to red and are edible with a sour, white flesh

Other common names
hog plum
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Loam
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Yellow Green Red
Summer Green Red
Autumn Green Red Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Anacardiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Name status

Correct

Plant range
India to Japan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in deep, moist soils with protection from strong winds and freezing temperatures

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood or hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.